First of, as a background I wanna say I've been an STP supporter since 94.
My favorite album is Tiny Music (actually one of my all time favorites). I have
seen STP about 5 times, last one being at Gramercy a few nights ago. I got the promo of the new album from a coworker and after listening it three times I can confidently say this is my least favorite of their albums. I really wanted to like this album but I just can't seem to get into it.
I kind of expected (or wished) this album to take directions of the STP outtakes that were
leaked in 2004 (samba nova, about a fool) which I actually thought were some of their strongest songs I've heard in a while. I love when bands take risks, all the great ones you can think do, and that was most evident I thought on Tiny Music, and those outtakes. Initially i was skeptical about the album's recording, with musicians recording in separate studios without really collaborating personally much. Although it does work in some instances, I would think that after being away from each other for about 8 years they would want to record together in one room, as a new start, get back to basics of being in a band.
Now on to the music. First single I thought was pretty catchy and definitely grabbed my attention. However, it wasn't anything really new from them; a standart hard rocker. Scott did mention in several interview that this was going to be a back to basics hard rock record, and this song definitely fits that description. Then followed amazon previews of songs Huckleberry Crumble, Hickory Dichotomy, and Bagman. This is where the
trouble starts for me. Musically the songs are a bit boring, the musicianship and production are great however i feel the compositions are not. I would say Scott is the one that's lacking, his vocals are in the vain of Bowie 70s era, but the melodies are just weak and bland. The highlights for me are Dare If You Dare a Lennon/Beatlesche anthem type feel in the vein of Hey Jude, Hazy Daze which has a nice rocker riff, and great vocals
from Scott in the chorus. Again though this is nothing new, they're still operating in their safe zone. The rest of the albums stays in the Pop Rock style and picks up a bit, but nothign that really stands out for me.
I was equally disappointed with their performance at Gramercy. I was happy to see Scott looking healthy, but let's be real guys, compare that performance to any of performances from 8 years ago, and the difference is night and day. True, they’re not in their 30’s anymore, but then make the show fit your age, and don’t try to relive your past glory days.
The performances are just missing that urgency, and Scott looks plain bored singing these songs. Yes they still sound good, but of all the times I’ve seen them, 10 songs remain in the set list constantly. I understand they have regrouped and are catering to general rock listeners, but in Gramercy, that place was filled with hardcore STP fans, that I’m sure wouldn't mind if they swapped Creep for Army Ants, or Crackerman for Seven Caged Tigers. Yes, you can't please everyone, but they just seem sooooooo bored performing the hits, they have an amazing catalog, where they can keep themselves
on their toes, keep themselves interested, and keep the fans interested. I love this band, and I would hate to see them turn into one of those nostalgia acts, i believe the have the talent of becoming greater and greater they just need to take some risks. This is just my opinion and I'm sure a lot of you will disagree.
Also quotes like this from the new Spin make me feel very skeptical, I haven't read the whole article can you please tell me
if he elaborated...
"So how did it happen that, after falling out with two high-profile bands and one wife in lurid fashion, the ever-troubled Scott Weiland found himself back with STP, making their first album together in a decade? Simple.
Scott: "Dean called me in 2008 and asked, 'How'd you like to make a million bucks?"
